Why Is My Calathea Not Growing? (All the Answers You Need)


Are you concerned about the health of your Calathea plant? Have you noticed its not growing as it should be? Dont worry – weve got all the answers you need.

In this article, well delve into the various causes of Calathea not growing, from poor soil fertility to incorrect watering to root rot and pest infestations.

Read on to get the full picture of what could be affecting your beloved plant and how to get it back to its happy, healthy self.

Short Answer

Calatheas require specific conditions in order to thrive.

They need bright, indirect light, and high humidity.

If the light is too direct or the humidity is too low, they may not be able to grow.

Additionally, they need to be kept in well-draining soil, and need to be watered regularly with lukewarm water.

Check the environment and care of your calathea to ensure it is meeting its needs for growth.

Causes of Calathea Not Growing

When it comes to explaining why your Calathea is not growing, its important to first understand the different causes of this issue.

Poor soil fertility, inadequate light exposure, incorrect watering, and temperature fluctuations can all lead to stunted growth in your Calathea.

If your Calathea is not growing, it could be due to a variety of environmental factors.

Poor soil fertility can be a major cause of Calathea not growing.

If the soil in which your Calathea is planted is not nutrient-rich, it may not be able to meet the plants needs for healthy growth.

Calatheas prefer a soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of around 6.

5.

The soil should also be well-draining, as Calatheas are very sensitive to over-watering.

Adding organic matter such as compost or manure can help improve soil fertility and provide the nutrients that your Calathea needs.

Inadequate light exposure can also be a factor in Calathea not growing.

Calatheas generally prefer indirect light and should not be placed in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to scorch.

If your Calathea is not getting enough light, it may struggle to grow.

To ensure your Calathea is receiving adequate light, place it in a well-lit area, such as near a window or in a brightly lit room.

Incorrect watering can also lead to Calathea not growing.

Calatheas are very sensitive to over-watering, and if the soil is constantly wet, it can cause the plants roots to rot.

On the other hand, if the soil is not watered enough, the plant may become dehydrated and struggle to grow.

To ensure your Calathea is getting the right amount of water, check the soil regularly and water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Finally, temperature fluctuations can be a factor in Calathea not growing.

Calatheas are tropical plants and prefer a warm, humid environment.

If the temperature fluctuates too much, it can cause the plant to go into shock and struggle to grow.

To ensure your Calathea is kept in an environment with consistent temperatures, place it in an area where temperatures remain fairly constant, such as near a window or away from any sources of heat or cold.

Poor Soil Fertility

Poor soil fertility can be a major factor in why your Calathea is not growing properly.

Your Calathea needs nutrient-rich soil to thrive, and if the soil is lacking in nutrients, your plant will suffer from stunted growth.

To ensure your Calathea has the best chance of thriving, it is important to use a soil mix that is specifically designed for houseplants.

This soil should be rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and should also have plenty of organic matter to help retain moisture and provide a good structure for the roots.

Additionally, you can supplement your soil with a slow-release fertilizer, which will provide your Calathea with the nutrients it needs over time.

Inadequate Light Exposure

When it comes to the health of your Calathea, light is essential.

Without adequate exposure to light, your Calathea will not be able to photosynthesize and will not be able to grow.

Calatheas enjoy bright, indirect light, so make sure to place it near a window or other source of indirect light.

However, be sure to avoid direct sunlight, as this can lead to sunburn and other damage.

Additionally, be sure to rotate your Calathea regularly so that it receives light from all directions.

If your Calathea is not receiving enough light, it will start to show signs such as yellow or brown leaves, limp leaves, and leggy stems.

To help your Calathea thrive, make sure to provide it with enough light and rotate it regularly.

Incorrect Watering

Incorrect watering is one of the most common causes of stunted growth in Calathea plants.

Calatheas prefer to be kept in moist soil, but not overly wet.

If the soil is too wet, waterlogged, or remains soggy for too long, the roots can become oxygen deprived, leading to root rot and stunted growth.

On the other hand, if the soil is not kept moist enough, the plant may become stressed and unable to absorb enough water and nutrients to sustain healthy growth.

To ensure your Calathea is getting the right amount of water, check the soil with your finger, and water if the top inch feels dry.

Its also important to make sure that the pot youre using has drainage holes so that excess water can drain away and not become stagnant.

Temperature Fluctuations

Temperature fluctuations can be a major factor in a Calathea’s lack of growth.

Calatheas are tropical plants native to South America and Asia and they prefer warm, humid climates.

When the temperature fluctuates too much, it can cause stress on the plant, leading to stunted growth.

To ensure your Calathea has the best chance of growing, it should be kept in a room with temperatures between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

If possible, try to avoid exposing your plant to drafts, as sudden changes in temperature can shock the plant and cause further damage.

Additionally, if you have a heating or air conditioning system, try to keep the Calathea away from the vents, as the air can be too dry or too cold for the plant.

Too Much Fertilizer

Too much fertilizer can be a major contributor to why your Calathea is not growing.

Applying too much fertilizer to the soil can lead to an overload of nutrients in the soil, which can cause root burn and lead to stunted growth.

Over-fertilizing can also cause the plant to become stressed, which can also lead to a lack of growth.

In order to avoid over-fertilizing your Calathea, start by fertilizing the plant every other month and gradually increase the frequency over time.

Make sure you are using a fertilizer specifically made for Calathea or houseplants in general.

You should also check the label to make sure you are using the appropriate amount of fertilizer for your specific plant.

Its important to note that too little fertilizer can also lead to slow or stunted growth, so its important to find the right balance when fertilizing your Calathea.

If you think you may have over-fertilized your plant, stop fertilizing for a few weeks and try to flush out the excess nutrients from the soil by watering it heavily and draining the excess water.

This should help restore balance to the soil and help the plant start to grow again.

Root Rot, Pest Infestations, and Transplant Shock

Root rot can be a major contributor to why your Calathea is not growing, as it can cause the roots to become weak and unable to absorb nutrients.

Root rot is caused by overwatering and/or poor drainage, so it is important to make sure your Calathea is in a pot with a drainage hole and that it is not sitting in water for too long.

Pest infestations can also affect the growth of your Calathea, as pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale can suck the sap from the plant and weaken it.

To prevent this, make sure to monitor your Calathea for signs of pests and take action if necessary.

Lastly, transplant shock can also lead to stunted growth in your Calathea.

This is because when plants are moved, the root system can become damaged, preventing the plant from absorbing nutrients.

To prevent this, make sure to handle your Calathea with care when repotting it and ensure that the new pot is well-draining.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the causes of why your Calathea is not growing, you can take the necessary steps to get it back on track.

Make sure to plant your Calathea in nutrient-rich soil, keep it in a well-lit environment, water it regularly but not over water, and keep it in an area with consistent temperatures.

With these tips in mind, you can ensure that your Calathea grows healthy and strong.

James Twitty

James is a software developer by trade, but his true passion lies in plants. He loves to be outside in nature and is always eager to learn more about the different species of plants he finds. He often experiments with growing and propagating different types of plants and herbs, and is always excited to share his knowledge with others.

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